Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training

Once a month, the EOC meets for training. Today was that day. We met down in B165 and went through an emergency training exercise. We use the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) system for emergency management. I fulfill Emergency Support Function #15: Public Affairs & Communications.

B165 with a beautiful view of the moon and the American Flag!
The EOC is one of my favorite activities, as I get to prepare and participate in preparations for emergencies, which, on the ice, is quite different from anywhere else in the world. Back home in the states, one state can easily go to the surrounding states for assistance or resources, or nationally, or internationally. Here, we're pretty much on our own. Which also means, that what might be considered a lesser emergency back home, could be catastrophic here, if not handled properly.

The EOC Core Team, preparing, discussing, saving your life.

Searching through the map archive...

and more.

Jenn tests the comms equipment.
Being a part of the EOC and going through the training exercises gives me a greater appreciation for the importance and value of each and every person on station, as well as a broader view of what it really means to live in isolation, in Antarctica, in the winter. And it feels good to know we're in good hands should our good fortune ever run out.